MarketWatch reported that a Ministry of Industry and Information Technology spokesman claimed China wasn't trying to manipulate the price of rare earths.
In an exclusive interview with Rare Earth Investing News, Gareth Hatch, Founding Principal of Technology Metals Research, and Ryan Fletcher Director of Corporate Development for Zimtu Capital Corp., discuss the recent quota data and its effects on the rare earth supply chain.
In an exclusive interview with Rare Earth Investing News, Christopher Ecclestone mining strategist for Hallgarten and Co, shares some insight on the future trade disputes with China and the effect on rare earth mining firms.
Multiple bills are before the US Congress that aim to create a domestic rare earth and critical metals supply chain. The bills share a common objective; streamline the permitting process for mining companies, as well as the creation of rare earth recycling.
Prices of rare earth elements have doubled in the last two weeks as a result of consolidation of the rare earth industry in China. The consolidation and the likely creation of a heavy rare earth stockpiles will continue to put upward pressure on prices.
The Market Shares Rare Earth/Strategic Metal ETF has outperformed a basket of rare earth mining stock. However, the fund is more than a pure rare earth investment. Since trading started in late October 2010, the fund is up 31 per cent and is outperforming many of Van Eck’s other ETFs.
Another major development furthers China’s grip on the rare earth market. The creation of a rare earth exchange in Inner Mongolia gives Chinese rare earth producers more leverage in price negotiations. Chinese officials also stated publicly their desire to consolidate rare earth mining firms.
Investors looking to invest in mining operations should look at the stratification of elements in the deposit and take into account the current and future demand for the various elements, be they heavy or light.
Goldman Sachs released an assessment of the rare earth market that predicts rare earth prices may fall by 2013 due to supply being brought online by the likes of Molycorp and Lynas Corp. However, many familiar with the complexity of the rare earth processing don’t share the same view.
Rare earth elements are used in a wide array of weapons systems used by the US military, however, there is currently no domestic production of the metals. This is catching the eye of congress as the US military and national defense is at the whims of Chinese trade policy.
Thursday, July 21, 2011